Moisture-diverting band device, and associated methods

ABSTRACT

A moisture-diverting band device is provided, including first and second longitudinally-extending, parallel band portions. The first band portion is adapted to be disposed adjacent to a moisture-producing surface, and is comprised of a porous hydrophobic material. A longitudinally-extending U channel is engaged between corresponding longitudinal edges of the first and second band portions, and is comprised of a non-porous hydrophobic material. A longitudinally-extending band divider is disposed between the first and second band portions. The band divider is comprised of a hydrophobic material and has opposed first and second longitudinal edges, with the first longitudinal edge thereof extending into the U channel. The band divider is configured to direct moisture passing through the first band portion toward the U channel, wherein the U channel is configured to divert the collected moisture toward opposed longitudinal ends thereof. Associated methods are also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/230,840, filed Jun. 18, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Disclosure

Aspects of the present disclosure are generally directed to moisture diversion apparatuses and, more particularly, to a moisture-diverting band device, such as a headband, and associated methods.

Description of Related Art

Vigorous exercise, hot weather, and other heavy exertion usually causes a person to sweat or perspire. When the sweat or perspiration originates from the person's head/forehead/brow, the sweat may have a tendency due to gravity to run down the person's forehead and into their eyes, in turn causing, for example, blurred vision, discomfort, and drops of perspiration on glasses. A similar situation may occur, for example, with sweat running down the person's arms, and thereby compromising the hand grip on a club, bat, racquet, or the like. To address this problem of sweat in the eyes or in the hands, headbands or wristbands are commonly used. In common instances, the headbands or wristbands are formed of a material intended to absorb the sweat, with the goal of preventing the drops of sweat from moving past the headband or wristband. However, such headbands and wristbands often have a finite absorption capacity and, once saturated, the excess sweat will resume dripping into the person's eyes or compromising their grip.

Headbands or wristbands that include a non-absorbent barrier to the sweat may eventually fill up and send a cascade of restrained sweat into the person's eyes, may cause even more sweat due to not necessarily being porous or breathable, or may otherwise be cumbersome for the person to wear.

Thus, there exists a need for a device or improvement for selectively redirecting the sweat produced by a person's body to an unobtrusive location (i.e., to a location other than the forehead above the person's eyes, such as either side of the forehead) for an extended period of time in which the person is experiencing the condition(s) causing them to continue sweating. It may also be desirable for such a device or improvement to be conveniently and readily implemented, and to otherwise be unobtrusive or minimally obtrusive.

SUMMARY

The above and other needs are met by aspects of the present disclosure which, in one aspect, provides a moisture-diverting band device. Such a device comprises first and second longitudinally-extending, parallel band portions, wherein the first band portion is adapted to be disposed adjacent to a moisture-producing surface. The first band portion is comprised of a porous hydrophobic material. A longitudinally-extending U channel is engaged between corresponding longitudinal edges of the first and second band portions, wherein the U channel is comprised of a non-porous hydrophobic material. A longitudinally-extending band divider is disposed between and separating the first and second band portions. The band divider is comprised of a hydrophobic material and has opposed first and second longitudinal edges, wherein the first longitudinal edge thereof extends into the U channel. The band divider is further configured to direct moisture passing through the first band portion toward the U channel, wherein the U channel is configured to divert the collected moisture toward opposed longitudinal ends thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a moisture-diverting band device. Such a method comprises engaging a longitudinally-extending U channel between corresponding longitudinal edges of first and second longitudinally-extending, parallel band portions, wherein the first band portion is adapted to be disposed adjacent to a moisture-producing surface, and wherein the first band portion is comprised of a porous hydrophobic material and the U channel is comprised of a non-porous hydrophobic material. A longitudinally-extending band divider is engaged between the first and second band portions so as to separate the first and second band portions, wherein the band divider is comprised of a hydrophobic material and has opposed first and second longitudinal edges, such that the first longitudinal edge of the band divider extends into the U channel. The band divider is thereby configured to direct moisture passing through the first band portion toward the U channel, and the U channel is thereby configured to divert the collected moisture toward opposed longitudinal ends thereof.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of forming a moisture-diverting headwear apparel item. Such a method comprises engaging a longitudinally-extending U channel between corresponding longitudinal edges of first and second longitudinally-extending, parallel band portions, wherein the first band portion is adapted to be disposed adjacent to a moisture-producing surface, and wherein the first band portion is comprised of a porous hydrophobic material and the U channel is comprised of a non-porous hydrophobic material. A longitudinally-extending band divider is engaged between the first and second band portions so as to separate the first and second band portions, wherein the band divider is comprised of a hydrophobic material and has opposed first and second longitudinal edges, such that the first longitudinal edge of the band divider extends into the U channel and forms a moisture-diverting band device. The moisture-diverting band device is engaged with a headwear apparel item, about a forehead-contacting portion thereof, such that the band divider is arranged to direct moisture passing from the forehead through the first band portion toward the U channel, and such that the U channel is arranged to divert the collected moisture toward opposed longitudinal ends thereof disposed about opposite sides of the forehead.

The aspects, functions and advantages discussed herein may be achieved independently in various example implementations/aspects or may be combined in yet other example implementations/aspects, further details of which may be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross-section of a moisture-diverting band device, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a moisture-diverting band device assembly, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a moisture-diverting band device assembly, according to the aspect of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a moisture-diverting band device, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, applied to a wearer's head;

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a moisture-diverting band device, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, applied to a wearer's head;

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a method of manufacturing a moisture-diverting band device, according to one aspect of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a method of forming a moisture-diverting headwear apparel item, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all aspects of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein; rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art, and will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used in this specification and the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a moisture-diverting band device 100, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The band device 100 comprises first and second longitudinally-extending, parallel band portions 200, 300, wherein the first band portion 200 is adapted to be disposed adjacent to a moisture-producing surface, such as, for example, a person's forehead or about a person's wrist/arm (see, e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4). In one particular aspect, the first band portion 200 is comprised of a porous (or permeable) hydrophobic (or non-absorbent) material, such as, for example, an elastic polymeric fabric. In another aspect, the first band portion 200 includes a first surface 205 adapted to be disposed adjacent to the moisture-producing surface, and an opposing second surface 210 facing the second band portion 300 (and/or a band divider 500, as further disclosed herein), and wherein the first band portion 200 is comprised of a wicking material configured to wick moisture from the first surface 205 toward the second surface 210. In one example, the elastic polymeric fabric and/or the wicking material may comprise Lycra™, a nylon Lycra™ blend, and/or a polyester Lycra™ blend.

A longitudinally-extending U channel 400 is engaged between corresponding longitudinal edges 220, 320 of the first and second band portions 200, 300 (i.e., as an integral element contiguously extending between the longitudinal edges 220, 320, or as a separate and discrete element engaged at one edge with the longitudinal edge 220 of the first band portion 200 and at the other edge with the longitudinal edge 320 of the second band portion 300). In one aspect, the U channel 400 is comprised of a non-porous (or non-permeable) hydrophobic (or non-absorbent) material. In another example, the first and second band portions 200, 300 are defined by a single strip of the porous hydrophobic material longitudinally folded about a longitudinally-extending fold line 450 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3). That is, in some instances, the U channel 400 is defined by a non-porous coating applied to the porous hydrophobic material along the longitudinally-extending fold line 450. In such instances, the U channel 400 may be formed, for instance, by coating the single strip of the porous hydrophobic material along the fold line 450 (and continuously from the fold line 450 to a particular distance along the first and second band portions 200, 300 toward the opposing longitudinal edges thereof) with a polymeric material (i.e., a fabric sealer, a fabric applique, or the like). In yet another example, instead of a non-porous coating, the U channel 400 may take the form of a separate and discrete U shaped element engaged with the single strip of the porous hydrophobic material about the longitudinally-extending fold line 450. In such instances, the U shaped element may be disposed internally or externally to the fold line 450, with at least the longitudinal edge of the U shaped element adjacent to the first band portion 200 being securely engaged therewith so as to direct moisture passing through the first band portion 200 toward and into the U shaped element (i.e., into the U channel 400).

A longitudinally-extending band divider 500 is disposed between the first and second band portions 200, 300 so as to separate the first and second band portions 200, 300 (i.e., to prevent moisture directed through the first band portion 200 from immediately contacting and transferring that moisture to the second band portion 300, to essentially bypass the diversion provided by the U channel 450). The band divider 500 is comprised of a hydrophobic material and has opposed first and second longitudinal edges 520, 540, wherein the first longitudinal edge 520 extends into the U channel 400. In such an arrangement, the band divider 500 is configured to separate the first and second band portions 200, 300, and to direct moisture passing through the first band portion 200 toward and into the U channel 400. That is, the band divider 500 separating the first and second band portions 200, 300, may be configured to be air permeable but not necessarily water permeable. As such, the band divider 500 may be configured to channel or direct moisture passing through the first band portion 200 toward and into the U channel 400, instead of that moisture passing through the band divider 500 to the second band portion 300. In other instances, the band divider 500 may be comprised of a porous (or permeable) material having a porosity (or permeability) less than a porosity (or permeability) of the first band portion 200, and is similarly hydrophobic or non-absorbent, which may also cause moisture passing through the first band portion 200 toward and into the U channel 400, instead of that moisture passing through the band divider 500 to the second band portion 300. In one example, the band divider 500 is comprised of an air filter material, such as an air filter paper or air filter gauze. In another example, the band divider 500 may be comprised of a non-porous or non-permeable material.

The U channel 400 is thus configured to divert the collected moisture toward opposed longitudinal ends 420, 440 thereof (see, e.g., FIG. 5). That is, the moisture thus channeled or directed into the non-porous or non-permeable U channel 400 (see, e.g., FIG. 4) is directed longitudinally along the U channel 400 toward the opposed longitudinal ends 420, 440 of the U channel 400 (see, e.g., FIG. 5). In this manner, the moisture from the moisture-producing surface that is collected by the U channel 400 is laterally diverted along the U channel 400 so as to prevent the moisture from otherwise flowing along the moisture-producing surface past the band device 100 (i.e., between the band device and the person's forehead), for instance, due to a gravitational force.

In some aspects, the second band portion 300 is comprised of a porous (or permeable) hydrophobic (or non-absorbent) material. For example, in instances where the first and second band portions 200, 300 are defined by a single strip of the porous hydrophobic material longitudinally folded about a longitudinally-extending fold line 450, the second band portion 300 is comprised of the same material as the first band portion 200.

In other aspects, the first and/or second band portions 200, 300 extend longitudinally past the opposed longitudinal ends 420, 440 of the U channel 400 (see, e.g., FIG. 2). In such instances, the extended length of the first and/or second band portions 200, 300 may be used to secure the band device 100 about the moisture-producing surface. For example, where the moisture-producing surface is a person's forehead, the extended length of the first and/or second band portions 200, 300 may be used to secure the band device 100 about the person's head such that the U channel 400 extends across and lies snugly against the person's forehead (see, e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5). Accordingly, the distal ends 50, 75 of the collective first and second band portions 200, 300 may include fastener elements (not shown) for securing the distal ends 50, 75 together and about the person's head. In other instances, the distal ends 50, 75 may be configured to be tied together in a knot for securing the distal ends 50, 75 together and about the person's head. The distal ends 50, 75 may, in some instances, extend sufficiently past the opposed longitudinal ends 420, 440 of the U channel 400, that the band device 100 could be considered a “one size fits all” item of apparel. In other instances, the band device 100, particularly the first and second band portions 200, 300 thereof may be formed of a stretchable material for providing a “one size fits all” item of apparel, in addition to or instead of the extended lengths of the distal ends 50, 75 from the opposed longitudinal ends 420, 440 of the U channel 400. Once secured to the person's head in this manner, any moisture collected by the U channel 400 and directed toward the longitudinal ends 420, 440 thereof, drain from the band device 100, for example, through the porous or permeable sections of the first and second band portions 200, 300 extending longitudinally beyond the U channel 400.

In some particular aspects, the longitudinal edges 240, 340 of the first and second band portions 200, 300, opposite to the U channel 400, are secured together, for example, by stitching 550, to form a tubular band member. In being so configured, the second longitudinal edge 540 (i.e., the longitudinal edge of the band divider 500 not extending into the U channel 400) of the band divider 500 is secured between the longitudinal edges 240, 340 of the first and second band portions 200, 300 opposite to the U channel 400.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a method of manufacturing a moisture-diverting band device 100, wherein such a method comprises engaging a longitudinally-extending U channel 400 between corresponding longitudinal edges of first and second longitudinally-extending, parallel band portions 200, 300, wherein the first band portion 200 is adapted to be disposed adjacent to a moisture-producing surface, and wherein the first band portion 200 is comprised of a porous hydrophobic material and the U channel 400 is comprised of a non-porous hydrophobic material (Block 600). A longitudinally-extending band divider 500 is engaged between the first and second band portions 200, 300 so as to separate the first and second band portions 200, 300, wherein the band divider 500 is comprised of a hydrophobic material and has opposed first and second longitudinal edges 520, 540, such that the first longitudinal edge 520 of the band divider 500 extends into the U channel 400, and wherein the band divider is arranged to direct moisture passing through the first band portion 200 toward the U channel 400, and the U channel 400 is arranged to divert the collected moisture toward opposed longitudinal ends 420, 440 thereof (Block 620). Other aspects and/or steps of such a method of manufacturing a moisture-diverting band device 100 are disclosed in connection with the disclosure of the various embodiments and aspects otherwise addressed herein.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, another aspect of the present disclosure may comprise a method of forming a moisture-diverting headwear apparel item. Such a method may extend the method of manufacturing a moisture-diverting band device 100, for example, by engaging the moisture-diverting band device 100 with a headwear apparel item. More particularly, such a method may comprise engaging a longitudinally-extending U channel 400 between corresponding longitudinal edges 220, 320 of first and second longitudinally-extending, parallel band portions 200, 300, wherein the first band portion 200 is adapted to be disposed adjacent to a moisture-producing surface, and wherein the first band portion 200 is comprised of a porous hydrophobic material and the U channel 400 is comprised of a non-porous hydrophobic material (Block 700). A longitudinally-extending band divider 500 is engaged between the first and second band portions 200, 300 so as to separate the first and second band portions 200, 300, wherein the band divider 500 is comprised of a hydrophobic material and has opposed first and second longitudinal edges 520, 540, such that the first longitudinal edge 520 of the band divider 500 extends into the U channel 400, to form a moisture-diverting band device 100 (Block 720). The moisture-diverting band device 100 is engaged with a headwear apparel item about a forehead-contacting portion thereof, such that the band divider 500 is arranged to direct moisture passing from the forehead through the first band portion 200 toward the U channel 400, and such that the U channel 400 is arranged to divert the collected moisture toward opposed longitudinal ends 420, 440 thereof disposed about opposite sides of the forehead (Block 740).

In some method aspects, the step of engaging a longitudinally-extending U channel 400 between corresponding longitudinal edges 220, 320 of first and second longitudinally-extending, parallel band portions 200, 300, comprises longitudinally folding a single strip of the porous hydrophobic material about a longitudinally-extending fold line 450 to define the first and second band portions 200, 300, and applying a non-porous coating to the porous hydrophobic material along the longitudinally-extending fold line 450 to define the U channel 400.

Other method aspects may comprise the step of securing the second longitudinal edges 240, 340 of the first and second band portions 200, 300, opposite to the U channel 400, together to form a tubular band member. In some instances, such method aspects may also comprise the step of securing the second longitudinal edge 540 of the band divider 500 between the second longitudinal edges 240, 340 of the first and second band portions 200, 300 opposite to the U channel 400.

Aspects of the present disclosure thus provide, for example, a perspiration channeling or band device incorporated into headwear, wherein the channeling/band device is configured to collect sweat from the surface (i.e., forehead) of the wearer, and to channel or divert that sweat to either side of the wearer's forehead. Accordingly, the sweat drains away from the wearer's forehead at both sides of the wearer's head (i.e., the temple area), and thereby prevents the sweat from running into the wearer's eyes or otherwise interfering with the wearer's vision, glasses, etc. One skilled in the art, however, will appreciate that the channeling/band device may be implemented in other applications. For example, the channeling/band device could be incorporated into a wristband so as to channel or divert sweat from flowing down a person's arm and compromising the person's grip. In such instances, for example, the sweat could be diverted toward the ulnar side of the wrist/forearm.

In some aspects, the channeling/band device could further include varying types of electronic devices. For example, the channeling/band device could include electronic devices configured to collect physiological data from the person, or to direct information (i.e., visual, auditory, or physiological data) to the person/wearer.

Aspects of the channeling/band device may be configured as a stand-alone apparel element, such as headwear or wrist/arm wear, for example, in the form of a headband worn on a person's head or a wrist/arm band worn on a person's wrist or forearm. The headwear into which the channeling/band device is incorporated may take different forms. For example, the headwear may comprise a cap, a skullcap, or a hardhat, configured to be worn on a person's head. In such applications, the channeling/band device is incorporated into the headwear so as to fit snugly against the person's forehead.

In other instances, the channeling/band device may be configured to be retrofit into an apparel item. For example, in some instances, the channeling/band device may include one or more fastening devices (i.e., hook and loop straps) configured to secure the channeling/band device to the internal band of a hardhat. In another example, the channeling/band device may be incorporated into or include a head covering portion configured to protect the top of the person's head (i.e., a scarf or skullcap, or a variation of a hat or cap).

Many modifications and other aspects of the disclosures set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these disclosures pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosures are not to be limited to the specific aspects disclosed and that equivalents, modifications, and other aspects are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 

That which is claimed:
 1. A moisture-diverting band device, comprising: first and second longitudinally-extending, parallel band portions, the first band portion being adapted to be disposed adjacent to a moisture-producing surface, the first band portion being comprised of a porous hydrophobic material; a longitudinally-extending U channel engaged between corresponding longitudinal edges of the first and second band portions, the U channel being comprised of a non-porous hydrophobic material; and a longitudinally-extending band divider disposed between and separating the first and second band portions, the band divider being comprised of a hydrophobic material and having opposed first and second longitudinal edges, the first longitudinal edge thereof extending into the U channel, the band divider being configured to direct moisture passing through the first band portion toward the U channel, the U channel being configured to divert the collected moisture toward opposed longitudinal ends thereof.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the second band portion is comprised of a porous hydrophobic material.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second band portions are defined by a single strip of the porous hydrophobic material longitudinally folded about a longitudinally-extending fold line.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the U channel is defined by a non-porous coating applied to the porous hydrophobic material along the longitudinally-extending fold line.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the band divider is comprised of a porous material having a porosity less than a porosity of the first band portion.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the band divider is comprised of an air filter material.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the first band portion is comprised of an elastic polymeric fabric.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second band portions extend longitudinally past the opposed longitudinal ends of the U channel.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal edges of the first and second band portions opposite to the U channel are secured together to form a tubular band member.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the second longitudinal edge of the band divider is secured between the longitudinal edges of the first and second band portions opposite to the U channel.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the first band portion includes a first surface adapted to be disposed adjacent to the moisture-producing surface, and an opposing second surface facing the band divider, and wherein the first band portion is comprised of a wicking material configured to wick moisture from the first surface toward the second surface.
 12. A method of manufacturing a moisture-diverting band device, comprising: engaging a longitudinally-extending U channel between corresponding longitudinal edges of first and second longitudinally-extending, parallel band portions, the first band portion being adapted to be disposed adjacent to a moisture-producing surface, the first band portion being comprised of a porous hydrophobic material and the U channel being comprised of a non-porous hydrophobic material; and engaging a longitudinally-extending band divider between the first and second band portions so as to separate the first and second band portions, the band divider being comprised of a hydrophobic material and having opposed first and second longitudinal edges, such that the first longitudinal edge of the band divider extends into the U channel, the band divider thereby being configured to direct moisture passing through the first band portion toward the U channel, and the U channel thereby being configured to divert the collected moisture toward opposed longitudinal ends thereof.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein engaging a longitudinally-extending U channel between corresponding longitudinal edges of first and second longitudinally-extending, parallel band portions, comprises longitudinally folding a single strip of the porous hydrophobic material about a longitudinally-extending fold line to define the first and second band portions, and applying a non-porous coating to the porous hydrophobic material along the longitudinally-extending fold line to define the U channel.
 14. The method of claim 12, comprising securing the second longitudinal edges of the first and second band portions, opposite to the U channel, together to form a tubular band member.
 15. The method of claim 14, comprising securing the second longitudinal edge of the band divider between the second longitudinal edges of the first and second band portions opposite to the U channel.
 16. A method of forming a moisture-diverting headwear apparel item, comprising: engaging a longitudinally-extending U channel between corresponding longitudinal edges of first and second longitudinally-extending, parallel band portions, the first band portion being adapted to be disposed adjacent to a moisture-producing surface, the first band portion being comprised of a porous hydrophobic material and the U channel being comprised of a non-porous hydrophobic material; engaging a longitudinally-extending band divider between the first and second band portions so as to separate the first and second band portions, the band divider being comprised of a hydrophobic material and having opposed first and second longitudinal edges, such that the first longitudinal edge of the band divider extends into the U channel, to form a moisture-diverting band device; and engaging the moisture-diverting band device with a headwear apparel item about a forehead-contacting portion thereof, such that the band divider is arranged to direct moisture passing from the forehead through the first band portion toward the U channel, and such that the U channel is arranged to divert the collected moisture toward opposed longitudinal ends thereof disposed about opposite sides of the forehead.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein engaging a longitudinally-extending U channel between corresponding longitudinal edges of first and second longitudinally-extending, parallel band portions, comprises longitudinally folding a single strip of the porous hydrophobic material about a longitudinally-extending fold line to define the first and second band portions, and applying a non-porous coating to the porous hydrophobic material along the longitudinally-extending fold line to define the U channel.
 18. The method of claim 16, comprising securing the second longitudinal edges of the first and second band portions, opposite to the U channel, together to form a tubular band member.
 19. The method of claim 18, comprising securing the second longitudinal edge of the band divider between the second longitudinal edges of the first and second band portions opposite to the U channel. 